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Public Defender Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Georgia

Attorney 4

Griffin, GA · On-site

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering pleas, conducting legal research, preparing and presenting complex documents, pleading compilation ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $72,000.00 - $85,000.00 The Mountain Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender I in Banks County.

Georgia

Attorney 3

Macon, GA · On-site

The Macon Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is looking to hire an Assistant Public Defender 3. Primary duties include representing indigent clients with criminal case(s) in Superior Court.

Georgia

Attorney 4

Buchanan, GA · On-site

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering pleas, conducting legal research, preparing and presenting complex documents, pleading compilation ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Atlanta, GA · On-site

The Georgia Public Defender Council's Appellate Division is seeking to hire an experienced Appellate Attorney. The Assistant Public Defender 4 will be required to review the work of other appellate ...

Georgia

Attorney 3

Macon, GA · On-site

The Macon Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is looking to hire an Assistant Public Defender 3. Primary duties include representing indigent clients with criminal case(s) in Superior Court.

TekSky

Associate Attorney

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... workers' compensation defense or Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, or Solicitor, preferred • Outgoing personality, dynamic, and attention to details are traits desired We offer ...

Georgia

Paralegal 1

Gray, GA · On-site

Georgia Public Defender Council Job Requisition ID: JR0000002432 Shift: Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: The Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender IV is responsible for providing competent, diligent, and zealous legal representation to indigent clients. This position serves as an expert-level attorney, handling ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 4

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender IV is responsible for providing competent, diligent, and zealous legal representation to indigent clients. This position serves as an expert-level attorney, handling ...

Cuzdey, Stine and Sansalone, LLC

Be Seen First

Workers Compensation Insurance Defense Attorney

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Individuals with workers' compensation defense or Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, or Solicitor, preferred * Outgoing personality, dynamic, and attention to details are traits desired ...

Synectics Inc

WC Insurance Defense Attorney

Alpharetta, GA

$100K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Candidates with backgrounds as a Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, or Solicitor may also be considered if they have strong litigation experience * Outgoing personality with excellent ...

Georgia

Admin Assistant 1

Tifton, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

The Tifton Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Administrative Assistant I. Under general supervision, this position will perform a wide range of office administrative ...

State of Georgia

Admin Assistant 1

Tifton, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

The Tifton Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Administrative Assistant I. Under general supervision, this position will perform a wide range of office administrative ...

W3Global Inc.

Associate Attorney

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Individuals with workers' compensation defense or Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, or Solicitor, preferred * Outgoing personality, dynamic, and attention to details are traits desired ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Georgia

Public Defender information

See Georgia salary details

$23.6K

$90.8K

$155.8K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Georgia is $90,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,100.00 and $113,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Public Defender jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Georgia?

For Public Defender jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Public Defender job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in GA?

For Public Defender jobs in GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,799 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Attorney 4

Georgia

Griffin, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Attorney 4

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001472

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

Job Description:

The Griffin Judicial Circuit is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender 4 in Spalding County. This role requires a strong commitment to public defense and the ability to manage complex cases from preparation through trial or resolution. This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering pleas, conducting legal research, preparing and presenting complex documents, pleading compilation, orders, etc. Applicants must demonstrate substantial criminal litigation and jury trial experience. Candidates must also be in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia and show a strong commitment to indigent defense work.

Interested applicants should apply onhttps://careers.georgia.gov/and send a cover letter and resume to William Imhoff at wimhoff@gapublicdefender.org.

Description of Duties:The Assistant Public Defender 4 is responsible for providing competent, diligent, and zealous legal representation to indigent clients. This position serves as an expert-level attorney, handling serious, high-profile, and complex felony cases, including the most significant matters assigned within the office. The attorney will independently manage all aspects of litigation, including case strategy, investigation, motion practice, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy. This role requires advanced legal judgment, strong trial skills, and the ability to navigate complex legal and factual issues. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate in a related area from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity and three (3) years of relevant legal experience; or three (3) years of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 3 (LEP022).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

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